Governor Proclaims Hurricane Preparedness Week 2021

WHEREAS, North Carolina is one of the leading states for overall damage from hurricanes; and

WHEREAS, these tropical storms can claim lives and destroy property through storm surge, destructive winds, flooding, tornadoes, and landslides; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is still recovering from the devastating effects of Hurricane Isaias and the remnants of Hurricane Eta in 2020; Hurricane Dorian in 2019; Hurricane Florence and Tropical Storms Michael and Alberto in 2018; and Hurricane Matthew in 2016; and

WHEREAS, every North Carolina county has felt the disastrous impacts from hurricanes and tropical systems; and

WHEREAS, people should review their emergency plans and update their insurance policies to ensure coverage for accidental damage, natural disasters, and flooding; and

WHEREAS, people should know their evacuation routes and be prepared to comply with local and state authorities when asked to evacuate, and the North Carolina “Know Your Zone” program will help to safely and efficiently evacuate people in coastal counties when a natural disaster such as a hurricane strikes; and

WHEREAS, people should maintain emergency supply kits to use at home or during an evacuation with enough non-perishable food and water to sustain family members for at least three to seven days, and should know their evacuation routes and be prepared to comply with local and state authorities when asked to evacuate; and

WHEREAS, each household should communicate its emergency plan to an out-of-state friend, so all of your family members have a point of contact during a disaster; and

WHEREAS, the ReadyNC.org website is available to provide real-time weather and traffic conditions for all parts of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina Emergency Management and local government officials work together with the National Weather Service before and during a hurricane or tropical storm to reduce the possible dangers posed to lives and property, and provide an effective response to these storms;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 9 – 15, 2021, as “HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.